Will Sai Pallavi Redefine Sita in Nitesh Dwari's 'Ramayan'? Deepika Chikhalia Weighs In!

As the release of Nitesh Dwari's 'Ramayan' approaches, veteran actress Deepika Chikhalia shares her insights on Sai Pallavi's casting as Sita. While praising Pallavi's talent, Chikhalia expresses curiosity about how the actress will embody the iconic role. With a massive budget and a star-studded cast, the film is generating significant buzz. Chikhalia reflects on the enduring legacy of the original series and the potential challenges new portrayals may face. As audiences await the film's release, the question remains: will Pallavi create a new legacy or will comparisons to the original performances prevail?

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 18:11 IST

Deepika Chikhalia Shares Insights on Sai Pallavi's Casting

As excitement grows for Nitesh Dwari's grand mythological film "Ramayan," veteran actress Deepika Chikhalia, celebrated for her role as Sita in the iconic series, has expressed her views on Sai Pallavi's casting as the beloved character. The film has sparked considerable buzz in Indian cinema, especially with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Ram alongside Pallavi as Sita.

In a recent discussion, Chikhalia praised Pallavi's talent but admitted she is eager to see how the actress will interpret Sita on screen. "I've watched her performances; she's an incredible actor. However, I’m curious about her portrayal of Sita. We will only know once we see her in the role," she remarked.

Chikhalia highlighted the traditional qualities associated with Sita as depicted in Tulsidas's "Ramayan," stressing the importance of physical traits that were considered during her own casting. While she acknowledged the new cast's abilities, she reiterated the need for authenticity in representing the character.

Reflecting on the lasting impact of the original "Ramayan," Chikhalia noted the deep connection viewers still have with the series. "I am often referred to as Sita. Sometimes, people forget my name, but they remember my role as Sita, which has become my identity," she shared. She voiced concerns that new interpretations might overshadow the original, particularly pointing out that Sita's curly hair in the new portrayal diverges from traditional depictions. Chikhalia believes the original series, which saw a resurgence in popularity during the pandemic, has left an indelible mark.

In other news, the film has recently attracted attention due to the delay of its trailer launch, which was announced mere hours before it was set to debut. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed that the trailer will be released globally at a later date, following a collaboration with a new channel. With a staggering budget of ₹4,000 crore, "Ramayan" is poised to be one of the most expensive films in Indian history. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Yash Raman, Sunil Dutt, Ravi Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, and Kunal Kapoor, with music by Oscar-winning composers Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The first installment of "Ramayan" is slated for release during Diwali 2026, with the sequel expected in 2027. As fans await Sai Pallavi's interpretation of Sita, the anticipation builds around whether she will forge a new legacy or if comparisons to the original will dominate discussions.